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MESA, Ariz. \u2014 After striking out five in 2\u2154 innings last Tuesday against the Dodgers, Ben Brown has moved into strong consideration for the fifth spot in the Cubs\u2019 rotation.<\/p>\n
Brown, 25, who generated 14 swinging strikes among his 65 pitches, will start Tuesday against the Braves in the exhibition finale. Brown could get the nod to make his first start March 31 in Sacramento against the Athletics.<\/p>\n
\u201c[If] that\u2019s the direction we go, that\u2019s pretty good,\u201d manager Craig Counsell said.<\/p>\n
Before suffering a season-ending neck injury in mid-June, Brown showed glimpses of promise that prompted some observers to overhype him in a manner similar to a former Phillies prospect who later joined the Cubs \u2014 Ferguson Jenkins.<\/p>\n
Brown pitched seven no-hit innings and struck out 10 on May 28 against the Brewers, throwing 64 strikes. But he allowed four hits, walked three and suffered the loss against the Dodgers in the season opener.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like if I could get back to a realm of competition where I was last year, I feel like I could pitch at any level or any position,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n
Colin Rea would move to the bullpen if Brown earns the fifth spot. Non-roster invitee Brad Keller will start Monday against the Braves.<\/p>\n
One day after making his exhibition debut, second baseman Nico Hoerner is on track to be ready for Thursday\u2019s opener.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we\u2019re still on track,\u201d Counsell said one day after Hoerner went 0-for-3. \u201cEverything was a positive sign.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the biggest tests for Hoerner will be his arm strength after he underwent surgery in October to repair a right flexor tendon. The decision on whether Hoerner is ready might not be solely his.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re trying to be collaborative here,\u201d Counsell said.<\/p>\n
Lining up along the foul lines for the first two games of the regular season was merely a routine the Cubs will get accustomed to. They will open opponents\u2019 home seasons at Arizona and Sacramento before returning to Wrigley for their home opener April 4.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re the team of openers this year,\u201d left fielder Ian Happ quipped.<\/p>\n
Happ doesn\u2019t mind playing the domestic opener in Arizona because many fans will stay after spring training in the Valley, where many Cubs fans already have moved permanently from the Chicago area.<\/p>\n
And several Cubs players already have played at 14,000-seat Sutter Health Park as members of Triple-A Iowa. The Athletics plan to play their home games in Sacramento until their domed stadium in Las Vegas is completed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know there\u2019s a lot of demand for tickets,\u201d Happ said. \u201cI\u2019ve seen some of the numbers on how much tickets you\u2019re going for at those games. I think it\u2019s awesome. I think that a packed house with 14,000 is going to feel like a really good environment to play baseball in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reliever Tyson Miller will be put on the 15-day injured list because of a left hip impingement. Counsell said Miller, who allowed nine runs, 10 hits and four walks in 4\u2154 innings this spring, coped with discomfort last season. The lingering pain has affected his mechanics, his velocity and pitch shapes, Counsell said. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n